Samagi Jana Balawegaya MP S.M. Marikkar has claimed the government may be preparing to replace the current Sri Lanka Cricket administration before May Day as a “popular decision” intended to boost public support ahead of the Labour Day rallies.
Speaking to reporters, Marikkar said media reports suggested the President could remove the existing SLC board and appoint a new panel before May 1. He alleged the government was concerned about turnout at its May Day rally and claimed the SJB would stage the largest opposition gathering this year.
Marikkar added that the SJB’s own activities would be confined to a single rally because the Poya holiday falls on the same day, and that parades and other side events would not be held.
Asked about reports that former SJB parliamentarian Eran Wickramaratne was being considered for a role in a new interim cricket administration, Marikkar said he had seen the reports but could not confirm them. He noted Wickramaratne had played cricket at school level but declined to verify whether the administration role was under discussion.
Several local outlets have reported in recent weeks that the government is examining changes to Sri Lanka Cricket’s governance, with discussions said to be under way with local and international cricket officials. Sports Minister Sunil Kumara Gamage has previously confirmed that talks with the International Cricket Council were in progress.
The SLC has been operating under heightened scrutiny since the government took office, with questions raised over financial management, player welfare and the integrity of domestic competitions.
Source: Newswire
